[Marlo2bRN]

I just accepted a position in MICU working nights after working on a general medical floor for a year . Although I'm excited and looking forward to the challenge, I'm scared also . Could you please share some advice or words of encouragement for someone who is starting in this field?
Thank you much!

[imnmk_rn]

Enjoy the excitement and all the the challenges you will face. Here's my advice: draw from your previous experience, but remember that you will need to learn a lot. If you have a healthy respect for what you don't know and are willing to ask questions and do a little investigation, you should do fine. And know that it may take longer for you to feel like you can "fly" than it did in your previous position.

Hopefully you will be working with people who are willing to teach and share from their experiences, and where there is a real sense of teamwork. In high-stress situations, teamwork can make the difference between a horrible shift and a challenging shift full of adrenaline.

Congratulations on your new position, and enjoy!

[diprivankt]

Hi there. As a 3 1/2 yr MICU nurse who started in ICU straight out of nursing school, good choice in moving to ICU. Assess your co-workers and align yourself with the ones whom you respect for their care, judgement and knowledge. Steer clear of the night nurses who priortize their shift by "breaks, food and *****ing."Ask questions and volunteer to take the "train wrecks"....best learning experience is hands on. The nurse's who come to help you with the critical patients are the ones with whom you want to be working with. You will be scared at times but learn to trust yourself.

PS When I float to the floor I am terrified as I really despise med-surg nursing.Feel like a flunky up there.

[Celia M]

I transferred from med/surg to ICU. If you can manage up to 6+ med/surg patients then you will do fine in ICU. Never hesitate to ask, pick the train wrecks so you can learn and improve your skills. And remember you'll still be scared at times, I still am, the trick is to not let your patient or their family know it.
Good luck